Trinity By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this fanfic unless otherwise stated. Lu Xun, Gan Ning, Lü Meng, and all other characters are copyrighted to KOEI Productions and are used for fan reasons only. Please do not steal or alter this fic.
Well, this chapter is way overdue, along with the other stories I've done. Almost forgot I had them... and I am sorry for that! Normally it wouldn't take me so long to write a chapter, especially if it's already partially written (thanks to Quicksilver), but with A-kon, vacations, senior stuff and college preparations, and most importantly my job as a unit leader/counselor/art instructor at a summer camp, I guess it all slipped my mind. But do not fear! Last week of camp is upon me (and I go back to being poor, oh boo hoo...). I SHALL GET THESE FANFICS COMPLETED!
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Chapter Nine: A Test of Loyalty
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There was an eerie silence that plagued the land, sweeping over the damaged grounds and over the hills, to where the pirates now knew that was, like the rest of the land around them, filled with booby traps. Hua Seung stood upon his muscular horse, who had long since been healed from the arrows, though its fatigued was obvious by the deepness of its breath. The pirate captain surveyed the land through the sunlit horizon, narrowing his eyes with disgust.
How?
How could people fear him so much to tear apart the land, fill it with such deadly traps, then try to cover their trail?!
The horse gave a tired snort, signaling to its master of its weariness. The pirate just scoffed, patting the creature on the side and going back to surveying the land. Yet, of all these traps, none killed him yet, and though he was open to admit that a few of his men were sacrificed, he could only laugh at this attempt. What's a few men?
Sei Rong stood at a considerable and safe distance, not even wanting to know why this man was laughing now. Maybe it was the heat, Sei Rong thought, wiping his sweaty brow with his now bare arm. He had not expected the southeastern land to be so humid... and as he looked back at the tired soldiers, he frowned. This wasn't good...
"My lord," though Sei Rong knew that addressing the pirate captain at this moment was considered suicide, he felt enough courage build up within him now, and he continued, even as Hua Seung ignored him. "Perhaps it is best that I send out scouts while we rest? Nightfall is upon us, and it would be-"
Finally, the pirate captain laughed. "What?"
"M-my lord?"
Turning his horse around to face him, Hua Seung looked down at the crippled man, his dark eyes gleaming with something nasty. "What would it be if we continued marching at night, eh? Suicide?"
Now to the point of forcing to hold down the urge to tremble, Sei Rong nodded, "We know the land is rigged with traps now... it would be wise to rest the main force and send smaller ones around."
"HA!"
Somehow hearing that did not surprise Sei Rong, but he felt relieved when the pirate captain gave a grin, driving his spear into the ground with a single thrust of his hand. "Sure, why the hell not? That's the brightest thing you've said all day, you old fool. I'm starting to ponder about these guys, these people from Wu! Interesting insects... all the more pleasure I'll have to squish every one of them like the roaches that they are!"
That brought much relief to the hears of the nearby soldiers, and the pirate captain bellowed out to his tired pirates and soldiers, wondering how far his voice could carry. "Alright, you slops! Break camp, and make it quick! Don't worry about the dead for now- they're not goin' anywhere!"
This seemed to be the natural way for the pirates, as they all broke off, giving shouts to one another, "Three from each sector go get some good for your group! Whoever's turn it is to keep guard, get to yer stations!"
"Heh... this is great, Sei Rong!"
The crippled adviser dared to look up at Hua Seung, wondering about that ever so frightening smile upon his face. "What is, my lord? We are not in the best of situations right now..."
Something in the pirate captain's eyes told him something frightening, that there might have actually been a hint of a brain in that head of his, as Hua Seung spoke lowly, "I have a feelin'... they're watching us as we speak. The rats... tell the night guards to stand good watch out, ye hear?"
"Yes, my lord... I shall."
It appeared that Hua Seung was definitely in one of his good moods, however odd that may be...
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From a considerable distance, a night bird gave a call to summon the night, as the sun crept further and further away behind the mountains. A few seconds later, another bird called out, and this time, the soldier got the message. Quietly, he stayed lunched over, running in a rather odd stance as to stay under the bushes. He almost felt like a monkey right now, and though it seemed out of place, he dared not laugh at himself. Now was not the time for that.
He kept on running, until he lept through a particular set of bushes, marked only by a patch of very out of place elephant ear leaves. As he landed on both feet, he looked up and into the red eyes of the former pirate that waited there, tapping his bells to keep himself occupied.
"They've began to set up camp..."
That was all that he needed to say, as Gan Ning gave a grin, almost frightening those around him. He looked to the selected few, the ones he hand-picked himself, and withdrew his blade, slinging it over his shoulders as he stood up. As night began to fall upon the woods, the Pirate of the Silken Sails spoke up.
"Well, that's the Hua Seung I remember... he made it loud and clear, too. That's no good..."
The soldiers grew alarmed, as one asked, "What do you mean?!"
Rising his upper lip for a second, the former pirate replied. "He knows that we're planning something tonight."
The disappointment that arose from the lucky soldiers was apparent on their surprised faces, and another sighed, "Then what are we to do?! For all we know, we could be jumping into a trap ourselves!"
The other began to agree, however, they were silenced been Gan Ning growled, catching their attention once more. Once they grew silent, Gan Ning continued, "Yes... not only that, but he might send out a few scouts to check the area for the traps my buddy Meng and our little thinker Lu Xun set up, which is good!"
"Sir, how can that be-"
"Because it's what we WANT him to do! Get it?" Giving a teethy grin, Gan Ning explained. "Ya see, we've left a few traps out in the open for the scouts to detect, and wile they're doing the detecting, we shall be circling the main group and attacking a small unit on the completely DIFFERENT direction of the traps..."
It seemed to be dawning on the soldiers, as one caught on, "Hua Seung will then think that the traps are a rouse and will send the main force our way then, correct?"
Slamming his fist down on the open palm of his other, the former pirate gave a rather devilish grin. "While another unit attacks from the opposite direction of us, forcing Hua Seung to send some troops THAT away, only to await certain DEATH by the clever little traps set up by our little boy genius! Hua Seung will be so turned around, we would have no other choice but to point and laugh at him!"
That seemed to have done it, as the soldiers expressed their approval. Gan Ning could only grin, as he silenced their praise once again. "You can praise Lord Lü Meng and boy genius later. Right now we merely wait for darkness to act as our cover, and get the job done. I'm counting on each and every one of you to do his job... this NEEDS to work, or we're screwed, got it?"
"You can count on us!"
That was all that he needed to hear, and the former pirate nodded. It amazed him, even now... of how loyal a single soldier could be. He pushed the thought aside, not wanting to think about it as he spoke up again, "Alright, let's head out. I'm kinda anxious to see Hua Seung's dumbfounded look; always puts a smile on my face!"
They began to spread out, and he grinned to himself, as he brushed some bushes aside. His horse looked up at him, its white fur dirty from neglect. He gave Yang, or at least that want he thought the horse was named, as he was sure the black one that Lü Meng claimed was Ying, a gentle pat, before mounting him. "I'll give you a bath later... come on, let's go."
Happy that someone finally noticed him, Yang gave a low whinny, letting the former pirate onto his back without question. It took a second for Gan Ning to get comfortable, but as soon as he felt settled, he gave the reigns a slight tug and placed his sword to the side. "Be still, o beating heart!"
"Good luck on your mission, Pirate of the Silken Sails!"
Somehow, hearing that voice boom out of nowhere wasn't really what startled him, but spotting the man to his left was what made Gan Ning flinch. As he stared at the hooded man, he really didn't know what to say, as the mystic merely rose his wriggle old hand and gave him a little wave, before turning around. Gan Ning finally caught his breath, giving a grunt, "What the... how long were you there, old man?!"
"Oh, I've been here awhile; you just never noticed me..." The Mystic said, his voice ringing a bell to Gan Ning's memory, as he began to shuffle away. Had he known that this was the very same man that Lü Meng had spoken with earlier, he would have chased the man down and beat some answers out of him. Was he the reason why his friend was in such a sour mood?! "Again I say good luck... one's past occupation, to be destroyed by a warrior such as yourself... so tiring... farewell, Gan Ning."
And, just as suddenly as he appeared, the old mystic was gone, leaving Gan Ning breathless and completely clueless. He blinked several times, but he said nothing, wondering if he was even there at all. Maybe... he was just imagining him? "Uh... right..."
"Sir?"
He looked to the soldier that stared at him, and he said nothing as the soldier repeated himself, "Sir, is something the matter?"
Taking one last glance at the empty forest, Gan Ning put on a fake smile, nudging his horse onward. "Nothing... just saw a monkey, that's all. Nothing important..."
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Lu Xun didn't know what to do anymore...
No, he finished all of his chores, or at least the ones that Lü Meng allowed him to do, and he just finished briefing the next set of strategies. Though he had completed these things, he felt unaccomplished today, and he looked towards the tent where Lü Meng hid himself, wondering now what the mystic had said.
Was Lü Meng mad at him? Was he mad at the Mystic, or himself? Or was it really just the whole situation bearing down on him? Lu Xun offered so many strategies, but he felt useless. Something was bothering him, but Lu Xun couldn't figure what.
Giving a heart-filled sigh, Lu Xun eagerly waited for Gan Ning's return. With someone as isolating and shielded as Lü Meng, Lu Xun knew that he could at least open up to the pirate... Maybe Gan Ning could see what was wrong with Lü Meng?
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And Lü Meng stared at the maps that Lu Xun drew out for him, not really looking at them and caring. No, he wasn't angry with Lu Xun... he had quite gotten over that. And the pirates didn't really upset him either.
"Blegh... I can take care of myself... and others too..."
Grabbing the bottle of wine, he downed the little bit that was left, hoping to find some sort of comfort in that. No, he wasn't drunk... he always left himself a little to make sure that it would never happen, though now he wished he hadn't.
Lü Meng sighed, resting his forehead on his hands as his leaned against the empty bottle, letting some of his long, black hair slip into his view. He gave a sneer, throwing it back with disgust. "Stupid… what the hell was I thinking, letting it grow out this long…"
The question seemed to be directed towards himself, though he could not answer it. He lowered his gaze again, then closed his tired green eyes. He sighed one word, then reopened his eyes, to look back down at the maps, to continue his studies.
"Mei..."
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"I heard that one of the generals over here found our old buddy... he's workin' with the enemy now!"
Gan Ning was prepared to do his nightly raid when he heard that voice, one that seemed hauntingly familiar. He stopped his midnight black steed to hear that voice again, feeling his heart lurch at the sound of it's deep baritone sound. "Who'd a thought that ol' ruffian would abandon us for the likes o' them!"
That voice, Gan Ning thought, turning his horse about to where the voice was coming from. Yes, from the enemy camp, the one of many. He was to attack a different set, however, he halted and silenced his soldiers, to hear the next voice ring in. "Yeah, that Gan Ning! You think he's here now?"
"Of course! Didn't you see him charge the Captain? Red hair and jingling bells; that was Ning alright!"
Oh, how Gan Ning knew these voices! He could remember a time when he laughed along side of them, wrestled with them to pass the time. Could these be the ones he ran away from so many years ago? Were these the ones that plundered... and murdered with so many years ago?
Yes, these were the ones, Gan Ning confirmed when he heard the last voice say, "I wish Gan Ning would 'ave taken 'ua Seung's head! Then we'd be in a better position now!"
The soldiers about Gan Ning saw his expression, and one almost spoke aloud to ask, but the former pirate shook his head, signaling to his men to continue on with the plan, without him. They did not question his orders, and as they silently marched on, Gan Ning took his horse and charged towards the voices, one hand gripping the hilt of his fine blade. He was going to pay them a little visit.
"Admit it; things were a lot better with us when 'e wasn't around!"
"That's treason! Speak like that and he'll have your head!"
The pirates argued, speaking of things forbidden until one of them heard a soft jingling coming from the woods. He turned, but nothing was there. Another asked, "What's your problem?"
Waiting for the noise to come again, the man shrugged, "Must be the wind... tis very strange in this part of land."
"How so?"
The man with the gash along his face answered, "The winds are uneasy, docking into the harbor was harder than usual. Did ye notice?"
"I was sleeping..."
"No surprise- the winds are uneasy, the land seems haunted. There 'asn't been a single 'ome 'ere with people in it and the insides empty when we go to look. This part o' China isn't normal, and I don't like it."
Another pirate was going to agree, until he too heard the light jingling. He asked aloud, looking about, "What's that?"
They all went silent, but they heard nothing until there came an explosion at the neighboring camp. Instantly, the five soldiers rose from their fireplace, turning to the direction of the now rising flames and screams. They were under attack, and one grabbed his spear, only to pause. For a third time, came the jingle, but this time it was accompanied by the sounds of thundering hooves. "There!"
Turning about, the pirates quickly forgot about the chaos in the next camp to see a problem of their own. A Wu general charged out from behind the bushes, a sword in one hand and bells wrapped around his chest and waist. They stared into his beaming red eyes, before one of them had the nerves to speak again. "Is that... Gan Ning?!"
The former pirate glared at them, as another proclaimed, his voice joyful. "It is! Gan Ning, old buddy! Thank the heavens, you're alive!"
"Old friend!" shouted another, dropping his sword and forgetting about the chaos that went on in the other camp. "You 'aven't changed a bit!"
Chilling red eyes turned to him, eyes the color of blood, as the former pirate smirked, "Oh no? I would hope I've changed a little!"
They could almost hear the bitterness in his voice, but no one seemed ready to question it. The Gan Ning they knew was a natural jokester, able to alter his voice to the complete opposite of his mood. Though, his eyes and sword seemed to tell otherwise... "So... how've things been, eh, old buddies, old pals?"
"Can't complain too much, except that pirating isn't as freelance as it used to be."
"Yeah!" Another agreed. "Ever since YOU left, ol' cap'n's been runnin' things. Now, we can't plunder without sharing 'alf our booty with the like o' 'im!"
"If you dislike him so much... why work for him?" Gan Ning asked, his eyes narrowing. His horse ventured closer to them, as someone began to shout for assistance. One attempted to move, however, Gan Ning's sword forbid it, swiping and knocking him off his feet. Now, seeing that he was serious, he continued, "Why do you think I left then, eh? To be quite honest, I couldn't stand the imbecile, and I still can't."
"Well, we can't declare mutiny on him; no other captain would ever hire us again, and we would never be able to agree on someone amongst us."
Suddenly, one shouted, "Hey, why don't we work with you?!"
"Work... with me?" Gan Ning sneered, scaring them as he gave a quick reply, "Don't think... I don't remember the times I had with the likes of you! I remember almost EVERY face of the men we slaughtered together, for what? Gold? Treasures?"
One hiccuped from the back, "And women and wine!"
The pain was evident in his eyes for a second, before he blinked, anger striking in them once again. "Aye... and answer me this... men are one thing, but the slaughter of women and children?"
"A kid nicked me in the leg once! They can be dangerous!"
However, among the pirates, the one struck down seemed to understand, as he finally got back to his feet. Gan Ning looked at him for a second, seeing his slight fear, as he asked, "You've changed alright... is that why you left? Because we plundered that village?"
"Plundered that village... and one just like the day before and one the day before that! I grew sick of the weary cycle; I wanted away from the senseless carnage!" Gan Ning shouted, and as flames reached the sky behind them, they knew now what his intentions were. "And here you are, the same few men that I once called my friends... it's because of people like YOU that the word 'pirate' strikes fear into the hearts of the people!"
Sneering, one withdrew his weapon, "That is what it MEANS to be a pirate! Is being a general any better? You still kill senselessly; you still strike fear into your victims' hearts!"
"But only... fellow soldiers, fellow men who are strong enough to raise the sword, not a garden tool!"
"What's the difference? Death is death; fear is fear. You can try to justify it anyway you like," the same one chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Oh, how you've changed Ning. We, for all our faults, do not try to hide what we truly are. You have forgotten that and have slipped into hypocrisy."
Those words were enough to settle the struggle within him. There was no way to change them, to save them, and he returned to Lu Xun's plans. Raising his sword, he gave his horse a kick, charging at his former friends.
They were immediately on their feet; if there was anything a pirate knew how to do it was to defend himself. They knew his moves well, yet they could not even defend WELL against it. There was no doubt that the former pirate's strength had only increased over the past few years, and he fought with the same viciousness that he had done many years ago...
He ignored their cries of pain, the sounds of his own name being shouted out. If anything, he was a statue, cold and unrelenting.
'But, with my past occupation and the murder of Ling Cao, would Sun Quan ever accept me?' Gan Ning had asked when he met with Lü Meng for the first time, wondering how anyone can overlook someone's past bloodshed to even trust them. Now was no different... he was only doing to them what he had done to his enemies so many years ago...
There was no one here to be spared; no one who had not committed a crime. They deserved no pity...
Somehow, amongst his fighting, he had removed himself from his horse, not wishing to cause harm to it in a fight that was his own. It wasn't long before there was but only one left, and as he drove his long, curved blade from his last victim's neck, the pirate lost all nerves, barely gripping his own sword.
So much blood on his hands now; he felt a murderer all over again. How many had he just killed? How many to make this other pirate, a killer, tremble in fear?
And the pirate waited, not moving a step or running away. He seemed ready to die along with his messmates, and this was probably what made the Pirate of the Silken Sails hesitate in the first place. That look of fear... it certainly wasn't the first time he had received it, however, he did something that he did not do before. He lowered his sword, "Get out of here... I'm through with the likes... of you."
"Why leave me alive... when you have killed so many others?"
Turning away, the Wu general sighed. "You don't deserve a reason... be gone, before I change my mind."
"No... I will not be seen as a deserter, forced to live out the rest of my days with the rest of humanity looking down at me! Pirates will not accept a coward; regular people will not accept a former pirate. I will end my own life if you do not."
And Gan Ning's voice was cold, heartless... "And yet that I was accepted... so be it then."
One quick motion let the last pirate's head roll to the ground, and Gan Ning did not hesitate at all now, picking it up and stuffing it in a sack. His reasons for such was simple... by bringing back a former friend's hand, perhaps it could be proof to all of Wu and to himself that he was no longer the criminal he used to be...
Of course, it would also show that he was perfectly capable of lopping off someone's head with apparently little emotion. Hopefully everyone would see that he had only done so to win their approval.
He sighed... perhaps there was just no escape for it? Sheathing his sword, he mounted his steed, riding away from the horrid scene of bodies and joining his own men, not explaining the details or why he was coated with blood...
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Author's Note: Damn... I'm SO sorry this is so late... and to answer a question...
Mei: You'll find out later... don't worry, it's NOT a past love... well, technically it is, yes, but not a lover.
Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this fanfic unless otherwise stated. Lu Xun, Gan Ning, Lü Meng, and all other characters are copyrighted to KOEI Productions and are used for fan reasons only. Please do not steal or alter this fic.
Well, this chapter is way overdue, along with the other stories I've done. Almost forgot I had them... and I am sorry for that! Normally it wouldn't take me so long to write a chapter, especially if it's already partially written (thanks to Quicksilver), but with A-kon, vacations, senior stuff and college preparations, and most importantly my job as a unit leader/counselor/art instructor at a summer camp, I guess it all slipped my mind. But do not fear! Last week of camp is upon me (and I go back to being poor, oh boo hoo...). I SHALL GET THESE FANFICS COMPLETED!
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Chapter Nine: A Test of Loyalty
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There was an eerie silence that plagued the land, sweeping over the damaged grounds and over the hills, to where the pirates now knew that was, like the rest of the land around them, filled with booby traps. Hua Seung stood upon his muscular horse, who had long since been healed from the arrows, though its fatigued was obvious by the deepness of its breath. The pirate captain surveyed the land through the sunlit horizon, narrowing his eyes with disgust.
How?
How could people fear him so much to tear apart the land, fill it with such deadly traps, then try to cover their trail?!
The horse gave a tired snort, signaling to its master of its weariness. The pirate just scoffed, patting the creature on the side and going back to surveying the land. Yet, of all these traps, none killed him yet, and though he was open to admit that a few of his men were sacrificed, he could only laugh at this attempt. What's a few men?
Sei Rong stood at a considerable and safe distance, not even wanting to know why this man was laughing now. Maybe it was the heat, Sei Rong thought, wiping his sweaty brow with his now bare arm. He had not expected the southeastern land to be so humid... and as he looked back at the tired soldiers, he frowned. This wasn't good...
"My lord," though Sei Rong knew that addressing the pirate captain at this moment was considered suicide, he felt enough courage build up within him now, and he continued, even as Hua Seung ignored him. "Perhaps it is best that I send out scouts while we rest? Nightfall is upon us, and it would be-"
Finally, the pirate captain laughed. "What?"
"M-my lord?"
Turning his horse around to face him, Hua Seung looked down at the crippled man, his dark eyes gleaming with something nasty. "What would it be if we continued marching at night, eh? Suicide?"
Now to the point of forcing to hold down the urge to tremble, Sei Rong nodded, "We know the land is rigged with traps now... it would be wise to rest the main force and send smaller ones around."
"HA!"
Somehow hearing that did not surprise Sei Rong, but he felt relieved when the pirate captain gave a grin, driving his spear into the ground with a single thrust of his hand. "Sure, why the hell not? That's the brightest thing you've said all day, you old fool. I'm starting to ponder about these guys, these people from Wu! Interesting insects... all the more pleasure I'll have to squish every one of them like the roaches that they are!"
That brought much relief to the hears of the nearby soldiers, and the pirate captain bellowed out to his tired pirates and soldiers, wondering how far his voice could carry. "Alright, you slops! Break camp, and make it quick! Don't worry about the dead for now- they're not goin' anywhere!"
This seemed to be the natural way for the pirates, as they all broke off, giving shouts to one another, "Three from each sector go get some good for your group! Whoever's turn it is to keep guard, get to yer stations!"
"Heh... this is great, Sei Rong!"
The crippled adviser dared to look up at Hua Seung, wondering about that ever so frightening smile upon his face. "What is, my lord? We are not in the best of situations right now..."
Something in the pirate captain's eyes told him something frightening, that there might have actually been a hint of a brain in that head of his, as Hua Seung spoke lowly, "I have a feelin'... they're watching us as we speak. The rats... tell the night guards to stand good watch out, ye hear?"
"Yes, my lord... I shall."
It appeared that Hua Seung was definitely in one of his good moods, however odd that may be...
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From a considerable distance, a night bird gave a call to summon the night, as the sun crept further and further away behind the mountains. A few seconds later, another bird called out, and this time, the soldier got the message. Quietly, he stayed lunched over, running in a rather odd stance as to stay under the bushes. He almost felt like a monkey right now, and though it seemed out of place, he dared not laugh at himself. Now was not the time for that.
He kept on running, until he lept through a particular set of bushes, marked only by a patch of very out of place elephant ear leaves. As he landed on both feet, he looked up and into the red eyes of the former pirate that waited there, tapping his bells to keep himself occupied.
"They've began to set up camp..."
That was all that he needed to say, as Gan Ning gave a grin, almost frightening those around him. He looked to the selected few, the ones he hand-picked himself, and withdrew his blade, slinging it over his shoulders as he stood up. As night began to fall upon the woods, the Pirate of the Silken Sails spoke up.
"Well, that's the Hua Seung I remember... he made it loud and clear, too. That's no good..."
The soldiers grew alarmed, as one asked, "What do you mean?!"
Rising his upper lip for a second, the former pirate replied. "He knows that we're planning something tonight."
The disappointment that arose from the lucky soldiers was apparent on their surprised faces, and another sighed, "Then what are we to do?! For all we know, we could be jumping into a trap ourselves!"
The other began to agree, however, they were silenced been Gan Ning growled, catching their attention once more. Once they grew silent, Gan Ning continued, "Yes... not only that, but he might send out a few scouts to check the area for the traps my buddy Meng and our little thinker Lu Xun set up, which is good!"
"Sir, how can that be-"
"Because it's what we WANT him to do! Get it?" Giving a teethy grin, Gan Ning explained. "Ya see, we've left a few traps out in the open for the scouts to detect, and wile they're doing the detecting, we shall be circling the main group and attacking a small unit on the completely DIFFERENT direction of the traps..."
It seemed to be dawning on the soldiers, as one caught on, "Hua Seung will then think that the traps are a rouse and will send the main force our way then, correct?"
Slamming his fist down on the open palm of his other, the former pirate gave a rather devilish grin. "While another unit attacks from the opposite direction of us, forcing Hua Seung to send some troops THAT away, only to await certain DEATH by the clever little traps set up by our little boy genius! Hua Seung will be so turned around, we would have no other choice but to point and laugh at him!"
That seemed to have done it, as the soldiers expressed their approval. Gan Ning could only grin, as he silenced their praise once again. "You can praise Lord Lü Meng and boy genius later. Right now we merely wait for darkness to act as our cover, and get the job done. I'm counting on each and every one of you to do his job... this NEEDS to work, or we're screwed, got it?"
"You can count on us!"
That was all that he needed to hear, and the former pirate nodded. It amazed him, even now... of how loyal a single soldier could be. He pushed the thought aside, not wanting to think about it as he spoke up again, "Alright, let's head out. I'm kinda anxious to see Hua Seung's dumbfounded look; always puts a smile on my face!"
They began to spread out, and he grinned to himself, as he brushed some bushes aside. His horse looked up at him, its white fur dirty from neglect. He gave Yang, or at least that want he thought the horse was named, as he was sure the black one that Lü Meng claimed was Ying, a gentle pat, before mounting him. "I'll give you a bath later... come on, let's go."
Happy that someone finally noticed him, Yang gave a low whinny, letting the former pirate onto his back without question. It took a second for Gan Ning to get comfortable, but as soon as he felt settled, he gave the reigns a slight tug and placed his sword to the side. "Be still, o beating heart!"
"Good luck on your mission, Pirate of the Silken Sails!"
Somehow, hearing that voice boom out of nowhere wasn't really what startled him, but spotting the man to his left was what made Gan Ning flinch. As he stared at the hooded man, he really didn't know what to say, as the mystic merely rose his wriggle old hand and gave him a little wave, before turning around. Gan Ning finally caught his breath, giving a grunt, "What the... how long were you there, old man?!"
"Oh, I've been here awhile; you just never noticed me..." The Mystic said, his voice ringing a bell to Gan Ning's memory, as he began to shuffle away. Had he known that this was the very same man that Lü Meng had spoken with earlier, he would have chased the man down and beat some answers out of him. Was he the reason why his friend was in such a sour mood?! "Again I say good luck... one's past occupation, to be destroyed by a warrior such as yourself... so tiring... farewell, Gan Ning."
And, just as suddenly as he appeared, the old mystic was gone, leaving Gan Ning breathless and completely clueless. He blinked several times, but he said nothing, wondering if he was even there at all. Maybe... he was just imagining him? "Uh... right..."
"Sir?"
He looked to the soldier that stared at him, and he said nothing as the soldier repeated himself, "Sir, is something the matter?"
Taking one last glance at the empty forest, Gan Ning put on a fake smile, nudging his horse onward. "Nothing... just saw a monkey, that's all. Nothing important..."
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Lu Xun didn't know what to do anymore...
No, he finished all of his chores, or at least the ones that Lü Meng allowed him to do, and he just finished briefing the next set of strategies. Though he had completed these things, he felt unaccomplished today, and he looked towards the tent where Lü Meng hid himself, wondering now what the mystic had said.
Was Lü Meng mad at him? Was he mad at the Mystic, or himself? Or was it really just the whole situation bearing down on him? Lu Xun offered so many strategies, but he felt useless. Something was bothering him, but Lu Xun couldn't figure what.
Giving a heart-filled sigh, Lu Xun eagerly waited for Gan Ning's return. With someone as isolating and shielded as Lü Meng, Lu Xun knew that he could at least open up to the pirate... Maybe Gan Ning could see what was wrong with Lü Meng?
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And Lü Meng stared at the maps that Lu Xun drew out for him, not really looking at them and caring. No, he wasn't angry with Lu Xun... he had quite gotten over that. And the pirates didn't really upset him either.
"Blegh... I can take care of myself... and others too..."
Grabbing the bottle of wine, he downed the little bit that was left, hoping to find some sort of comfort in that. No, he wasn't drunk... he always left himself a little to make sure that it would never happen, though now he wished he hadn't.
Lü Meng sighed, resting his forehead on his hands as his leaned against the empty bottle, letting some of his long, black hair slip into his view. He gave a sneer, throwing it back with disgust. "Stupid… what the hell was I thinking, letting it grow out this long…"
The question seemed to be directed towards himself, though he could not answer it. He lowered his gaze again, then closed his tired green eyes. He sighed one word, then reopened his eyes, to look back down at the maps, to continue his studies.
"Mei..."
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"I heard that one of the generals over here found our old buddy... he's workin' with the enemy now!"
Gan Ning was prepared to do his nightly raid when he heard that voice, one that seemed hauntingly familiar. He stopped his midnight black steed to hear that voice again, feeling his heart lurch at the sound of it's deep baritone sound. "Who'd a thought that ol' ruffian would abandon us for the likes o' them!"
That voice, Gan Ning thought, turning his horse about to where the voice was coming from. Yes, from the enemy camp, the one of many. He was to attack a different set, however, he halted and silenced his soldiers, to hear the next voice ring in. "Yeah, that Gan Ning! You think he's here now?"
"Of course! Didn't you see him charge the Captain? Red hair and jingling bells; that was Ning alright!"
Oh, how Gan Ning knew these voices! He could remember a time when he laughed along side of them, wrestled with them to pass the time. Could these be the ones he ran away from so many years ago? Were these the ones that plundered... and murdered with so many years ago?
Yes, these were the ones, Gan Ning confirmed when he heard the last voice say, "I wish Gan Ning would 'ave taken 'ua Seung's head! Then we'd be in a better position now!"
The soldiers about Gan Ning saw his expression, and one almost spoke aloud to ask, but the former pirate shook his head, signaling to his men to continue on with the plan, without him. They did not question his orders, and as they silently marched on, Gan Ning took his horse and charged towards the voices, one hand gripping the hilt of his fine blade. He was going to pay them a little visit.
"Admit it; things were a lot better with us when 'e wasn't around!"
"That's treason! Speak like that and he'll have your head!"
The pirates argued, speaking of things forbidden until one of them heard a soft jingling coming from the woods. He turned, but nothing was there. Another asked, "What's your problem?"
Waiting for the noise to come again, the man shrugged, "Must be the wind... tis very strange in this part of land."
"How so?"
The man with the gash along his face answered, "The winds are uneasy, docking into the harbor was harder than usual. Did ye notice?"
"I was sleeping..."
"No surprise- the winds are uneasy, the land seems haunted. There 'asn't been a single 'ome 'ere with people in it and the insides empty when we go to look. This part o' China isn't normal, and I don't like it."
Another pirate was going to agree, until he too heard the light jingling. He asked aloud, looking about, "What's that?"
They all went silent, but they heard nothing until there came an explosion at the neighboring camp. Instantly, the five soldiers rose from their fireplace, turning to the direction of the now rising flames and screams. They were under attack, and one grabbed his spear, only to pause. For a third time, came the jingle, but this time it was accompanied by the sounds of thundering hooves. "There!"
Turning about, the pirates quickly forgot about the chaos in the next camp to see a problem of their own. A Wu general charged out from behind the bushes, a sword in one hand and bells wrapped around his chest and waist. They stared into his beaming red eyes, before one of them had the nerves to speak again. "Is that... Gan Ning?!"
The former pirate glared at them, as another proclaimed, his voice joyful. "It is! Gan Ning, old buddy! Thank the heavens, you're alive!"
"Old friend!" shouted another, dropping his sword and forgetting about the chaos that went on in the other camp. "You 'aven't changed a bit!"
Chilling red eyes turned to him, eyes the color of blood, as the former pirate smirked, "Oh no? I would hope I've changed a little!"
They could almost hear the bitterness in his voice, but no one seemed ready to question it. The Gan Ning they knew was a natural jokester, able to alter his voice to the complete opposite of his mood. Though, his eyes and sword seemed to tell otherwise... "So... how've things been, eh, old buddies, old pals?"
"Can't complain too much, except that pirating isn't as freelance as it used to be."
"Yeah!" Another agreed. "Ever since YOU left, ol' cap'n's been runnin' things. Now, we can't plunder without sharing 'alf our booty with the like o' 'im!"
"If you dislike him so much... why work for him?" Gan Ning asked, his eyes narrowing. His horse ventured closer to them, as someone began to shout for assistance. One attempted to move, however, Gan Ning's sword forbid it, swiping and knocking him off his feet. Now, seeing that he was serious, he continued, "Why do you think I left then, eh? To be quite honest, I couldn't stand the imbecile, and I still can't."
"Well, we can't declare mutiny on him; no other captain would ever hire us again, and we would never be able to agree on someone amongst us."
Suddenly, one shouted, "Hey, why don't we work with you?!"
"Work... with me?" Gan Ning sneered, scaring them as he gave a quick reply, "Don't think... I don't remember the times I had with the likes of you! I remember almost EVERY face of the men we slaughtered together, for what? Gold? Treasures?"
One hiccuped from the back, "And women and wine!"
The pain was evident in his eyes for a second, before he blinked, anger striking in them once again. "Aye... and answer me this... men are one thing, but the slaughter of women and children?"
"A kid nicked me in the leg once! They can be dangerous!"
However, among the pirates, the one struck down seemed to understand, as he finally got back to his feet. Gan Ning looked at him for a second, seeing his slight fear, as he asked, "You've changed alright... is that why you left? Because we plundered that village?"
"Plundered that village... and one just like the day before and one the day before that! I grew sick of the weary cycle; I wanted away from the senseless carnage!" Gan Ning shouted, and as flames reached the sky behind them, they knew now what his intentions were. "And here you are, the same few men that I once called my friends... it's because of people like YOU that the word 'pirate' strikes fear into the hearts of the people!"
Sneering, one withdrew his weapon, "That is what it MEANS to be a pirate! Is being a general any better? You still kill senselessly; you still strike fear into your victims' hearts!"
"But only... fellow soldiers, fellow men who are strong enough to raise the sword, not a garden tool!"
"What's the difference? Death is death; fear is fear. You can try to justify it anyway you like," the same one chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Oh, how you've changed Ning. We, for all our faults, do not try to hide what we truly are. You have forgotten that and have slipped into hypocrisy."
Those words were enough to settle the struggle within him. There was no way to change them, to save them, and he returned to Lu Xun's plans. Raising his sword, he gave his horse a kick, charging at his former friends.
They were immediately on their feet; if there was anything a pirate knew how to do it was to defend himself. They knew his moves well, yet they could not even defend WELL against it. There was no doubt that the former pirate's strength had only increased over the past few years, and he fought with the same viciousness that he had done many years ago...
He ignored their cries of pain, the sounds of his own name being shouted out. If anything, he was a statue, cold and unrelenting.
'But, with my past occupation and the murder of Ling Cao, would Sun Quan ever accept me?' Gan Ning had asked when he met with Lü Meng for the first time, wondering how anyone can overlook someone's past bloodshed to even trust them. Now was no different... he was only doing to them what he had done to his enemies so many years ago...
There was no one here to be spared; no one who had not committed a crime. They deserved no pity...
Somehow, amongst his fighting, he had removed himself from his horse, not wishing to cause harm to it in a fight that was his own. It wasn't long before there was but only one left, and as he drove his long, curved blade from his last victim's neck, the pirate lost all nerves, barely gripping his own sword.
So much blood on his hands now; he felt a murderer all over again. How many had he just killed? How many to make this other pirate, a killer, tremble in fear?
And the pirate waited, not moving a step or running away. He seemed ready to die along with his messmates, and this was probably what made the Pirate of the Silken Sails hesitate in the first place. That look of fear... it certainly wasn't the first time he had received it, however, he did something that he did not do before. He lowered his sword, "Get out of here... I'm through with the likes... of you."
"Why leave me alive... when you have killed so many others?"
Turning away, the Wu general sighed. "You don't deserve a reason... be gone, before I change my mind."
"No... I will not be seen as a deserter, forced to live out the rest of my days with the rest of humanity looking down at me! Pirates will not accept a coward; regular people will not accept a former pirate. I will end my own life if you do not."
And Gan Ning's voice was cold, heartless... "And yet that I was accepted... so be it then."
One quick motion let the last pirate's head roll to the ground, and Gan Ning did not hesitate at all now, picking it up and stuffing it in a sack. His reasons for such was simple... by bringing back a former friend's hand, perhaps it could be proof to all of Wu and to himself that he was no longer the criminal he used to be...
Of course, it would also show that he was perfectly capable of lopping off someone's head with apparently little emotion. Hopefully everyone would see that he had only done so to win their approval.
He sighed... perhaps there was just no escape for it? Sheathing his sword, he mounted his steed, riding away from the horrid scene of bodies and joining his own men, not explaining the details or why he was coated with blood...
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Author's Note: Damn... I'm SO sorry this is so late... and to answer a question...
Mei: You'll find out later... don't worry, it's NOT a past love... well, technically it is, yes, but not a lover.